ISSN: 2578-501X
Authors: Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu*
Advancements in understanding BRCA gene mutations have reshaped breast cancer management, ushering in a new era of precision oncology. This review explores the transformative impact of BRCA research on breast cancer diagnosis and treatment strategies, emphasizing the pivotal role of genetic testing, targeted therapies, and personalized medicine approaches. Harnessing BRCA advances offers unprecedented opportunities for early detection, risk stratification, and tailored treatment modalities, fundamentally altering the landscape of breast cancer care. Central to harnessing BRCA advances is the widespread adoption of genetic testing for BRCA mutations, enabling the identification of individuals at heightened risk of hereditary breast cancer. Genetic testing informs risk stratification and facilitates personalized screening and preventive interventions, including risk-reducing surgeries and enhanced surveillance protocols. Moreover, genetic testing guideās treatment decisionmaking by identifying candidates for targeted therapies, such as poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, which have demonstrated efficacy in BRCA-mutated breast cancers, offering new avenues for precision medicine in oncology. The integration of targeted therapies tailored to BRCA-related breast cancer subtypes represents a paradigm shift in treatment approaches, providing novel strategies to optimize patient outcomes. PARP inhibitors have emerged as a promising therapeutic option for BRCA-mutated breast cancers, leading to improved progression-free survival and overall survival in metastatic settings. On-going research endeavours aim to elucidate molecular mechanisms of treatment response and resistance, paving the way for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies to address unmet clinical needs and further enhance the efficacy of precision oncology in breast cancer management.
Keywords: BRCA; Breast Cancer; Diagnosis; Treatment; Precision Medicine; Genetic Testing